Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Memphis, United States

1. Memphis-Style BBQ Ribs

Slow-smoked pork ribs glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce, a Memphis tradition since the early 20th century.

Smoky Flavor: The ribs are cooked over hickory wood, imparting a distinct smoky flavor.
Tangy Sauce: The sauce is tomato-based with a balance of sweet and tangy notes.
Legendary Joints: Try them at iconic restaurants like Rendezvous, Cozy Corner, or Central BBQ.

Freshwater catfish cooked to perfection and served with hush puppies or collard greens.

Fresh Ingredients: Catfish is sourced from local waters, ensuring freshness.
Southern Comfort Food: It's a hearty meal that embodies the comfort and warmth of Southern cuisine.
Historic Locations: Find it in historic locations like The Arcade Restaurant or Corky's Ribs & BBQ.

Tender, juicy meats seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection.

Custom Spice Blend: Each restaurant has its own unique dry rub recipe.
Juicy and Tender: The meat is slow-cooked to ensure juiciness and tenderness.
Iconic Restaurants: Experience it at restaurants like Interstate BBQ or Payne's Bar-B-Q.

Crispy fried chicken wings coated in a spicy sauce, a modern take on traditional BBQ.

Crispy fried chicken served with a fluffy waffle, a delicious combination of sweet and savory.

Fluffy Waffles: The waffles are light and airy, contrasting the crispy chicken.
Savory Combo: The sweet waffle pairs perfectly with the savory fried chicken.
Historic Location: Find it in the heart of Memphis' famous Beale Street.

A classic sandwich made with slow-smoked pork shoulder on a bun, topped with coleslaw.

Tender Pulled Pork: The pork is slow-cooked until it's tender and easy to pull apart.
Creamy Coleslaw: The coleslaw adds a cool, creamy contrast to the smoky pork.
Iconic Restaurants: Try it at restaurants like The Bar-B-Q Shop or Alcenia's Kitchen.

A large plate featuring fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread.

Comforting Meal: It's a comforting meal that embodies Southern hospitality.
Variety of Sides: Each side dish complements the other, creating a harmonious meal.
Historic Locations: Find it at historic restaurants like Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken or Two Zoes BBQ.

BBQ sauce-topped spaghetti with ground beef and beans, a unique dish born in Memphis.

Barbecue-Infused Pasta: The BBQ sauce adds a smoky flavor to the pasta dish.
Ground Beef and Beans: The ground beef and beans add heartiness and texture.
Iconic Restaurants: Try it at iconic restaurants like Marlowe's Ribs & Rest or Tops Bar-B-Q.

Corn husk-wrapped packages filled with a savory meat and cheese mixture.

Savory Fillings: Common fillings include pork, beef, or chicken.
Corn Husk Wrapping: The tamales are steamed and wrapped in corn husks for a traditional touch.
Street Vendors: Find them at street vendors or markets around Memphis.

A sweet, crunchy candy made from sugar, corn syrup, peanuts, and molasses.

Crunchy Texture: The brittle is incredibly crunchy, making it a satisfying treat.
Peanut Flavor: The peanuts are roasted before being mixed with the other ingredients.
Specialty Shops: Find it at specialty candy shops or farmers markets around Memphis.

Crispy fried catfish on a bun with tartar sauce and lettuce.

Fresh Catfish: The catfish is sourced from local waters, ensuring freshness.
Crispy Texture: The fish is deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior.
Historic Locations: Find it in historic locations like The Arcade Restaurant or Corky's Ribs & BBQ.

A classic sandwich made with fried bologna slices on white bread.

Fried Treat: The bologna is deep-fried, adding a crispy texture.
Simple Ingredients: Just bread, bologna, and maybe some mustard or mayonnaise.
Diner Favorites: Find it at classic diners around Memphis.

Spicy corn husk-wrapped packages filled with a meat and chili mixture.

Spicy Fillings: The fillings include beef, pork, or chicken mixed with chilies.
Corn Husk Wrapping: The tamales are steamed and wrapped in corn husks for a traditional touch.
Street Vendors: Find them at street vendors or markets around Memphis.

A sandwich made with creamy pimento cheese spread on bread.

Creamy Texture: The pimento cheese is smooth and creamy.
Savory Flavor: The cheese is flavored with diced pimentos, mayonnaise, and spices.
Traditional Sandwich: Find it at classic sandwich shops around Memphis.

A traditional Southern drink made by brewing tea with sugar and served over ice.

Sweetened Brew: The tea is sweetened with sugar before being brewed.
Iced Drink: It's served over ice, making it a refreshing beverage on hot days.
Everywhere: Find it at restaurants, coffee shops, and even convenience stores around Memphis.